sore throat

plural sore throats

1. countableAny inflammation of the pharynx that causes soreness.

   Synonyms: strep throat

2. uncountablemedicineThe same, as a common symptom for many viral and bacterial infections.

   I have a bit of sore throat.

   2010, Kate Valery, “Prayer at the Bus Stop”, in Love Triangle: Anthology of Poetry and Short Stories, page 12

   2 more examples

   Complains of a bad taste in his mouth ; there is some sore throat and difficulty of deglutition ; appetite very bad ; not very thirsty[…].

   1846, C. H. J. Routh, “Hospital reports”, in Thomas Wakley, Henry Bennet, editors, The London Lancet, volume IV, page 78

   Some sore throat is a common symptom also in erysipelas of the scalp.

   1879, Prosser James, Sore throat, its nature, varieties, and treatment', page 135